Caribbean and Black History Month

In celebration of African and Caribbean Black History Month, on Wednesday, February 28th Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy students, faculty and staff welcomed back the cultural experience that has taken place at the school for over 12 years - The Echo People.  The African drumming celebration was held under the solar awning and featured a traditional dance class,  a lesson on the history of traditional musical instruments and various songs. 

Autopista College Fair

On Friday, Febryary 23rd grades ten and eleven eagerly awaited the opportunity to explore the Autopista College Fair held at Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA). Admissions representatives from various renowned schools were present ready to give out brochures and spirit gear while enlightening students about their school and available majors! Throughout the college fair, students were seen visiting schools that matched or were close to their search criteria, taking notes and collecting business cards. Participating colleges included: University of Connecticut, Embry Riddle University, University of Charleston, Tennessee Wesleyan University, Life University, Iowa State University, Keiser University, Emerson College, Johnson & Wales University, Savannah Art & Design College, Aquinas College and King University.

Thanks to our highly trained college counselors, college fair opportunities are widely available to Peter Gruber International Academy (PGIA) students - some hosted right on campus.

Here's what the Admissions Representatives had to say about PGIA students:

"This was the most prepared group of students I spoke to on the trip!"

"I got some amazing and insightful questions, I could tell the students did research!"

"Your students are very respectful and energetic!"

"We will definitely come back to this school next year!"

"We felt so welcomed!"

Well done tenth and eleventh grade!

"A Night at The Museum"

Upper Elementary Wax Museum presentations were a hit Thursday night.  Students prepared first person narratives from past to the present for family and friends. Each student dressed up in character and delivered their speeches flawlessly all while pretending to be a wax statue. Some went as far as creating a small button to press which began their animation and speech. 

As a culmination of 6 weeks work these notable personalities came to life to share their stories representing a diversity of backgrounds of social activism, education, literature, medicine, sports, NASA and the entertainment world. 

Visualization and motivation Talk by James Mapes

“We may not be able to control what happens to us, BUT we can control how we respond to it.” -James Mapes

On Wednesday, Feb 21, James Mapes a popular international public speaker who specializes in teaching skills to individuals and organizations that stimulate innovation, visited the PGIA to do a 45 min presentation on "Visualization and Motivation" for the 7th - 12th graders.  James passed out props to each student to demonstrate the power of thought.  He spoke to the kids about using positive thinking to create motivation in your life and how to avoid self-limiting beliefs that will hold you back from you want.  He did several demonstrations for the kids that left them gasping and staring in disbelief.  The room was a flutter with excitement and laughter.

Take a ways: set goals, write goals down, do not let negative beliefs hold you back, do let positivie beliefs motivate you, visualize what you want. 

James performs this Saturday night, 2/24, at the Forum at Antilles School.  This intriguing performance is $25/adults, $10/teachers and FREE for students.

Las Vegas Mayor's Cups and International Showcase Results

Starting lineup for our friendly with Preston Lodge (Scotland),

The PGIA Varsity Soccer Team had a very successful trip to to the Las Vegas Mayor's Cup and International Showcase.  Playing opposition from California, Nevada, Utah, and Scotland, the Volts hung tough despite being the youngest team in their division (U19 Boys).  They recorded their first win at a stateside tournament, qualified for the knockout stage (a first), and beat a team that otherwise went undefeated in the tournament.  Two of the Volts three losses came to teams who qualified for the final.  Goal scorers for the PGIA included David Dawson (the game-winning goal in our win), Seidon Nemeth, Nickolas Swan, and Grant Farrell.  Richie Livacz recorded a shutout in goal in our opening tournament game.  As soon as we get film from the tournament, we will be putting up highlights on the website. 

The tournament results are as follows:

PGIA 2 (David Dawson, Seidon Nemeth) Red Dragons College Prep 0 - Group Game

PGIA 1 (Nickolas Swan), San Diego Machine 3 - Group Game

PGIA 0, Carson FC Pumas Elite 5 - Quarterfinal

PGIA 1 (Grant Farrell), Las Vegas Revolution 5 - Consolation

Chris Griffith, a Volts JV soccer player, was a guest player on the Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club U13 Academy team.  His team qualified for the quarterfinals as well, and Chris got on the scoreboard in his third match (with all of the U19 team in attendance).  Great job Chris!

Off the field, the Volts toured Las Vegas reality show sets (Pawn Stars, Tanked, Rick's Restoration and Count's Customs), explored Las Vegas, rode a zip line over the Fremont Street Experience, and visited the Grand Canyon.  They received multiple compliments on their behavior and sportsmanship, representing the school with grace and class.  

The team would like to thank all who made this trip possible.  This list includes, but is not limited to, all who bought t-shirts and water, the parents of all our players, the PGIA administration, the Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club (for letting Chris play with them) and the Las Vegas Mayor's Cup and International Showcase (who donated registration fees and hotel accommodations).  There are already plans in the works to return next year.  Go Volts!

VIMSIA Soccer Team at the Grand Canyon

Volts with Rick Harrison of "Pawn Stars"

EPA Helps VIMSIA Monitor Air Quality

On Wednesday, the 12th grade Environmental Systems & Societies class welcomed two members of the EPA's Environmental Response Team to their classroom. Michael Hoppe and Joe Bundens spoke on a variety of topics ranging from air quality and environmental disasters, to fracking and water pollution. Having recently covered atmospheric systems, the students were well prepared to discuss sources of particulate matter, the reduction of ozone-depleting substances, and the impact of air pollutants on human health. Mr. Hoppe and Mr. Bundens spent time explaining how air quality monitors can be used to assess real-time pollution levels, particularly concentrations of particulate matter. Using a network of instruments on the East End, the EPA can monitor and address any increases in pollution that might be a result of the ongoing destruction of boats and other hurricane debris in the area. After examining a sensor placed on school grounds, the students returned to class in preparation for the next unit: Energy Usage & Climate Change.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

Household hazardous waste is still being collected at the Bovoni Landfill facility through Saturday, February 24th. According to the EPA:  "Household hazardous waste includes aerosol cans, household cleaners and chemicals, paint, and electronic items such as computers and televisions. Household hazardous materials also include car and marine batteries, which have become a major concern due to the large volume of batteries being used by residents who are without power. Household hazardous waste should not be thrown out with regular trash as it can contaminate the land, waterways, and groundwater. "

Leading The Way With Environmental Sustainability

This week Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) welcomed Changing Tides Foundation volunteer Sarah Brady, who was led on a campus tour by seniors Candice LaPlace, T'Leah Serieux, VerNele Callwood and Nalani Figueroa to better understand VIMSIA’s environmentally sustainable initiatives. Brady was shown why our school is considered a leader in renewable energy and shown the usage of solar panels, pit drains to catch water, retention ponds, gardening efforts, recycling systems and much more!

Originally from California, Sarah –a junior at UC Santa Cruz majoring in Cognitive Science- decided to take a quarter off to assist with relief efforts by volunteering with Changing Tides Foundation. Being that a mutual interest in renewable energy and building sustainable infrastructure existed, a partnership between Changing Tides Foundation and VIMSIA was a no-brainer.

Having learned that PGIA students often sell water bottles from coolers as a way to fundraise, the foundation generously donated four SoulR Cart solar powered coolers. In celebration of this donation, head of school Michael Bornn organized an ice-cream party for the entire school to educate students on solar energy. Students enjoyed a tasty treat chilled by the sun!

VIMSIA Soccer Team Travels to Las Vegas

The Peter Gruber International Academy (PGIA) Varsity Soccer Team is delighted to be participating in the Las Vegas Mayor's Cup and International Showcase.  There are over 600 teams from 70 countries/5 continents at the event.  In addition, over 400 college coaches will be in attendance.  The Volts will play a friendly match vs. Preston Lodge School (Scotland) on Thursday night before starting tournament play on Saturday.  They will have up to 5 games in three days against teams from across the United States and around the world.  International schools and amateur/professional clubs are represented, including a youth team from Borussia Monchengladbach, a team in the German Bundesliga.  The Volts, defending I-AA Champions, are looking forward to the opportunity for growth provided by a tournament of this caliber.  They are thankful for all the community members who bought t-shirts and water to support their fundraising efforts.

#spreadthelove

Virgin Islands Montessori and Peter Gruber International Academy students were seen throughout campus today spreading love! In celebration of Valentine's Day, students and staff members were encouraged to wear red, pink or white and #spreadthelove. Students from toddler to grade twelve were seen participating in this celebration of love and friendship by preparing crafts, singing songs, reading stories, making decorations and exchanging sweet valentine treats. Happy Valentine’s Day!

PTA Hosts Staff Appreciation Event

Thank You!

"The PTA thanks Haley Goodson for the crowd-pleasing music, Jessica Hume and the St. Thomas Restaurant group for the wonderful venue and service, and all the parents who donated the amazing food!" - VIMSIA PTA

Flu Vaccines Administered at VIMSIA

The Department of Health Immunization Division in conjunction with the Virgin Islands Montessori and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) led a community-wide flu vaccination clinic at VIMSIA.

With the assistance of Shane Degannes, school nurse at VIMSIA, the Department of Health (DOH) was able to set up shop at VIMISA’s car deck and successfully administer flu vaccinations to over twenty-two men, women and children. Degannes explained how this idea was sparked one afternoon by staff member Ms. Diana Woods.

Ms. Woods, a Casa teacher for over 20 years, was casually conversing with parent and DOH Medical Director Dr. Tai Camille Hunte-Ceasar. Ms. Woods expressed her desire to get the flu vaccine and the difficulties scheduling an appointment with work and everyday life commitments. When Dr. Hunte-Ceasar heard Ms. Woods' story she immediately reached out to the Department of Health’s Immunization Division and sparked a community outreach initiative.

On behalf of all the VIMSIA parents, staff and community members we would like to thank the Department of Health Immunization Division, Mr. Shane Degannes, Dr. Hunte-Ceasar and Ms. Woods for reminding us how important and essential it is to prioritize our health and well-being.

Beauty and the Beast - Drama Production Coming Soon!

Beauty & the Beast is coming! Mr. Passarella's Drama Club are busily rehearsing and preparing for the upcoming production of the musical Beauty & the Beast – the tale of a bright, beautiful and independent young woman, taken prisoner by a beast in a castle. Performances are only a couple months away, in the brand new black box theater. Tickets will sell fast so make sure to stay tuned for ticket information!

The Peter Gruber International Academy (PGIA) is looking for parent volunteers to help make this fairy tale come true. Volunteers are needed for things such as make-up, backgrounds, costumes and selling concessions. If you would be interested, please contact PGIA student Caroline Ethen at carolinee@students.vimsia.org. Thank you in advance for all your support and assistance.

Community members are invited to join us and “be our guest!”

Sixth Graders Visit PGIA in Preparation for Next Fall

Today marks the completion of yet another successful transition program for our sixth grade students - both anxious and nervous to enter the seventh grade next Fall. Over the course of the last several days, sixth grade students were matched with a "host" seventh grader to show them the ropes - an opportunity they have been dying to experience! Today we had a chance to interview Gavin, Leah and Selena and hear their thoughts about this right of passage.

Peter Gruber International Academy (PGIA) Director of twelve years, Ms. Gloria Zakers claims this six year tradition is "extremely beneficial and proven to have a high success rate." There are a series of different components that combined provide both parents and students better insight as to what to expect in seventh grade and better understand that this transition is not to be taken for granted. Following a full day visitation with the seventh graders, sixth grade students are visited by PGIA teachers and assigned a spring project to get them accustomed to homework, good work ethic and responsibility. Lastly, prior to entering seventh grade students are required to take a math placement test.

PGIA is known for it's strict rules, high expectations and most of all, quality education; however, we are confident that with the values and norms instilled through our Montessori program these students will triumph and achieve their goals. Congratulations class of 2024!

DOE Donates Collapsible Water Bottles

United Way has donated collapsible water bottles to the VI.  Department of Education brought us 360 (Yowser!) of them.  The good news is that we are allowed to spread the wealth.  So, if you think you could use one, please pick one up at school!

After School Program Registration Open

After School Program Registration for the second semester is now open.  Classes begin our first week back and run through the end of the year (January 8 through June 8).

First Place VOLTS - Undefeated Season JV Girls!

Huge kudos to our JV Volts Girls Volleyball team for taking the title with an undefeated 8 and 0 season.  These Volts started strong and stayed strong. 

Huge congratulations to our 2017 girls volleyball teams.  Briefly, our JV girls team went undefeated 8-0. They won the JV league with that perfect record. Our Varsity girls team took 4th place in the league with a record of 4-4.  Great job ladies and way to work. 

I would like to thank Coach Ivan Figueroa, Coach Nalani Figueroa and Coach Ronald Blyden for their efforts this season.  VIMSIA could not have executed this successful season without your hard work and dedication.  VIMSIA's volleyball program has come along quite well.  I see nothing but success at the varsity level in the very near future.  The foundation our past teams have laid will be built upon and VIMSIA will soon claim the girls varsity volleyball championship too. 

GO VOLTS!   

 Shane DeGannes R.N., VOLTS Athletic Director

Special recognition to our Seniors:  Vanshika, Kobe (Captain), Nalani (Coach) and Candice.

Home for the Holidays - PGIA Alumni Luncheon

From left to right: Kendal Benjamin '17 Duquesne University, Ali Bartsch '17 Stanford University, Kayla Rivers '17 Seton Hall University, CJ Fahie '16 Indiana Tech University, Kiyalyn Bump Dalhousie University '16, Aneesh Chandiramani '17 Clark University and Leah Trotman '17 Agnes Scott College

Not pictured: Abraham Hamed '16 Valencia College, Christina Brett '17 University of Tampa and Eyad Hamed '17 Valencia College

The PGIA College Counseling office hosted the fourth annual Alumni Luncheon on Wednesday, December 20th.  Our alumni were full of energy and excitement as they returned to campus to share experiences, insights and goals with our current juniors and seniors.  Many of our returning alums have only completed their first semesters of college but are well of their way to blazing some amazing trails.  

Some notable pieces of advice from our former Volts: 

"Be an advocate for yourself and what you believe in."

"All of your hard work (in the DP program) is totally worth it."

"Follow your passion."

"Keep an open mind."

"Go to class!"  :)

Thank you Alumni!  We wish you the best!  

Day 107 - Power Finally!

Drum roll please!  Yes - we got WAPA power to most of campus yesterday!  We are still on generator for the PGIA House and Hibiscus, but the rest of campus is running on WAPA.

Thanks to everyone for all of your support as we have made this journey.  Day one of post hurricanes school, we had only one small generator running in lower campus that provided running water to a limited number of areas.  Lots of exercise for everyone to get to a bathroom that worked!  Over the next few weeks, when the supply of generators on island was nil and in the country was not much better - Mr. Bornn and a handful of private funders managed to find and transport a shipment of high power generators to island for the school.  September and October were definitely challenge filled.  These efforts were critical to keeping school open. 

We now have five major generators around campus and have been running the whole school pretty smoothly on generator power.  And now, though we are VERY happy to have WAPA available to us, we are also well on our way to our off-grid power goal.  

So thanks to all of our families, students and staff for hanging in there when a fan belt broke, diesel didn't show up, our loads were not balanced and oh so many other issues.  And special thank you to Mark Hume, Shane DeGannes and Matt Enright for becoming fast on-staff generator experts.   So many of our parents with electric, diesel and generator knowledge stepped up, our donors,  and Mr. Bornn for taking charge immediately and pulling it all together - we couldn't have done this without all hands on deck.  

Alumni Update: Ali Bartsch, Aneesh Chandiramani, Leah Trotman

We love, love, love when our students come back to visit.  Today we had a visit from PGIA Class of 2017 graduates:  Ali, Aneesh and Leah.  What a treat!

They have all just finished their first semester at college.  Ali is in engineering at Stanford, Aneesh is focusing on sciences, with a specific interest in biology at Clark University and Leah is deciding whether to major in International Studies or Public Health (possibly both) at Agnes Scott College.

I tried to interview them with a few simple questions - What do you like best about college life - Were there any huge surprises - Did you feel prepared -  but honestly they were going a mile a minute with each other and me about their experiences and how amazing things are.  I was totally blown away by them and couldn't stop smiling.  So, I'm definitely giving the cliff notes version of their conversations and am sure I will not be able to convey their enthusiasm - so please assume all of the following is written in caps with tons of emojis and exclamation points.

"What do you like best?"  All three hit on the same theme.  The people they are engaging with.  Whether their peers, professors or guest lecturers they all say they are meeting very interesting, diverse and accomplished people.  Ali met the woman that discovered carbon dioxide contributes to global warming and has a chance to interact with the COO of SpaceX "soon come". She spoke of these ladies with such reverence and awe - I am just waiting for the day that some young woman feels the same way about her chance to meet the prominent Alison Bartsch.  Leah is involved with Campus government and continues her strong interest in service with a plethora of activities - I must admit I lost count.  In the wee hours of the Hurricane Irma's pounding of our island, this bold freshman wrote to the president of her college (and quite possibly the Danish government) to initiate a movement for relief efforts.  Aneesh (in a quieter very Aneesh-ish way) is also really excited about the people his is meeting - "They all have such great stories about how they came to be at this point in their lives".   

"Do you feel that you were well prepared?"  This was easy.  They all said "yes".  And they recognize that many of their peers are not nearly so well-prepared.  Writing and citations were a big topic.   Leah and Aneesh felt like the class experts and were a little bored with the basic reviews they had to sit through.  Apparently everyone at Stanford falls in the "very well prepared" category.  They all felt that the study habits they developed in high school are serving them well at this level.  Leah was able to credit out of three Spanish semesters and an Anthro semester based on her PGIA IB Transcript.  

So nice to see them.  I'm still beaming.  Our students are "glowing" up (Aneesh's term - I like it).

Small but mighty!

Everyone plays a role in recovering our VIMSIA campus!  Our La Casa toddlers were hard at work to beautify and clean up the courtyard area.  Thank you!